Saying you're sorry is never easy, but knowing what to say in response to an apology can be even trickier. Add in the lack of face-to-face communication that happens over text, and you've got yourself a weird social situation to navigate. Don't stress, though. We've got lots of ideas for what to say when someone apologizes over text.
How to Respond to an Apology Text From a Friend
Whether your friend forgot your birthday or is canceling plans at the last minute, it's normal to have a few apologies in any friendship. How you respond matters, though. These are some simple replies that can help you both move on:
- Thanks for reaching out. It means a lot.
- Thank you, but it's no big deal.
- I really appreciate it, but everything is cool. I'm sorry too.
- Thank you. I'm going to need a little more time to process stuff, but we'll talk.
- Thanks for saying sorry. You're awesome.
Do you have to respond to an apology text? There are no rules here, but a response of some kind is important if you want to honor your relationship with the person. It's a good idea to respond within a few hours.
What to Say When You Were Expecting a Face-to-Face Apology
Sometimes, it can feel weird to receive an apology over text when you were expecting something else. It's harder to apologize face to face or on the phone, so people can take the emotional shortcut of a text when you were really expecting more. Here are a few ways to handle that situation:
- Thanks for saying that, but I'd really like to talk about this in person.
- I appreciate the apology, but I think we might need a longer conversation to sort this out.
- Thank you. I want to make sure we really understand each other's perspectives, so let's have a longer chat about this.
- Thanks, but our relationship deserves a real conversation. When do you have time to chat?
- I was really hoping to talk more about this, but I appreciate the apology.
Related: How to Apologize When You Mess Up (Because We All Do)
How to Reply to an Apology Text When You're Still Upset
If you're still hurt or angry, it's hard to know how to answer an apology in any form. Text may actually be easier in this case because you don't have to have that face-to-face conversation when you aren't yet ready. Here are a few things you can say:
- Thanks, but I think I still need some more time.
- That's nice of you to say, but I'm still feeling hurt. I'll be in touch.
- I really appreciate that, but I need a little more time to process things emotionally.
- I need some more space. Thank you, though.
- We can talk about this when I'm feeling less upset. I'll text when I'm ready.
What to Say When a Romantic Partner Sends an Apology Over Text
Knowing what to say to a text apology from a boyfriend, girlfriend, or significant other can be a bit confusing. It all depends on whether you're ready to accept the apology, what they're apologizing for, and how your relationship is doing overall. These are some good responses:
- Thanks for saying sorry. It matters to me, and so do you. I'm sorry too.
- It's okay. I'm sorry for hurting you too. I really appreciate the apology, and I love you.
- I'm still pretty upset, but you saying that helps.
- Thanks for saying that, sweetie. It means a lot. You're wonderful.
- I think we need a longer conversation to figure this out, but thank you.
Ways to Answer an Apology Text From Anyone
A lot of the time, knowing what to say when someone apologizes over text comes down to the kind of relationship you have with them, but there are some general replies that can work too. No matter who apologizes to you, there are a few go-to responses that can work in almost all situations:
- Thank you!
- Thanks. That means a lot.
- I appreciate that.
- I'm sorry too.
Answer the Apology Text and Move On
What you say when someone apologizes really matters. Even though text is easier than a face-to-face apology most of the time, the other person is putting themselves out there emotionally. In most cases, they deserve a response, even if it's just that you need more time. The sooner you answer, the sooner the two of you can move on.
